Jesse Calvin Hayes, Sr.

Mr. Jesse Calvin Hayes, Sr., age 88, of Newnan died May 24, 2013 at Atlanta Medical Center. A native of Forest Home, Alabama, he was born October 24, 1924 and was one of seven children born to the late Jesse Franklin and Odi Mae Thompson Hayes. In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by his wife Mildred Stephens Hayes and a son, Jack H. Hayes. During World War II he served in the Army as part of The Bushmasters. This was a diverse group of men who were specifically trained to be guerilla warriors in the harsh jungle environment of the South Pacific. McArthur thought so much of these fighting men that they fell under his direct command. Jesse was set for deployment at the time of the atomic bombing over Japan. Upon returning after the war, Mr. Hayes spent his working career in sales for the Barber Dairies in Alabama. He possessed a strong work ethic and was dedicated to the company and loved his job. A thoughtful man, he enjoyed taking it easy and enjoying the quiet with his ever-present pipe. He always desired to spend time reading, but, that, like his desire to be a fisherman, was a pipe dream. His fishing experience was enjoyable as long as somebody baited the hook and led him to an overstocked lake of starving fish! In later years, Jesse found his passion in working out at the gym, and soon become the unofficial social director when he was there. He is survived by his children, Rita Hayes Grizzard and Jesse C. Hayes, Jr. His grandchildren are Amy Henson, Bill Rayfield, Kristi Free, Shanda Wingfield and Heidi Yarnell. There are ten great grandchildren. The funeral service for Mr. Hayes will be at the graveside in The Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM with Reverend Searcy Jackson and Reverend Matthew Myers officiating. Visitation with the family will be at McKoon Funeral Home at 38 Jackson Street in Newnan beginning at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hayes’ memory to The Macedonia Baptist Church Sanctuary Fund 1504 Macedonia Road Newnan, GA 30263. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580.

Jesse Calvin Hayes, Sr.

October 24, 1924 - May 24, 2013